Sources claim that Lowe is now the front-runner for the job after ABC bosses said that they "loved the chemistry between" him and Ripa.

Asked if he would be interested in a permanent move to the New York-based show, Lowe told TMZ: "We were just talking about that. I love New York. I love the energy. It would be a change of pace. I'm a California boy, but it could be fun."

However, Lowe's commitment to Parks And Recreation could yet rule him out of the Live! gig.